Honoring veterans at the Volition Chicago Half Marathon
CHICAGO -- September 11, 2016, marks 15 years since the terrorist attack at the World Trade Center. To honor the sacrifices of our veterans on this solemn anniversary, the Volition Chicago Half Marathon will feature a wear blue mile. Wear blue: run to remember creates a support network for military members and their families; it bridges the gap between military and civilian communities and it creates a living memorial for our country's fallen military members.
Wear blue: run to remember was founded following the redeployment of 5-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team. During the deployment, a small group of 5-2 wives and battalion support staff met weekly to run, seeking to create a support network for one another during this challenging and heartbreaking deployment. When the brigade returned, two of those Army wives and avid runners, Lisa Hallett and Erin O'Connor, turned this small group into a nationwide vision that now helps thousands heal from and work through the more challenging aspects of military life during a time of war. Lisa's husband, CPT John Hallett, was one of four soldiers killed in that unit on August 25, 2009, while returning from a goodwill mission in Southern Afghanistan.
Lisa Hallet and Beth Stitt from the wear blue: run to remember joined Eyewitness News live from the Gold Star Families Park and Memorial at Soldier Field to talk about their important organization.
wear blue Mile, mile 2 at the Volition America Chicago Half Marathon
Date: Sunday, September 11, 2016
Hours: Race begins at 7 am, volunteers will be present 6 a.m. - 8 a.m.
Address: Gold Star Families Park and Memorial
The first step to joining wear blue: run to remember, is visiting the website to learn more: wearblueruntoremember.org. The next step is to purchase a wear blue shirt, step outside and make your steps purposeful. Join or start a local running community. wear blue creates an active place to honor our fallen military, support our active and veteran military and their families, and bridge the gap between military and civilian communities.
